Lessons from Listowel and Dublin’s writers’ festivals

Listowel’s international writers’ week kicked off yesterday and runs until Sunday, 2 June. If you missed authors such as Dan Brown or Colum McCaan at the Dublin writer’s festival then this could be a chance to hear some of the world’s most popular writers.

Getting connected with literature

There will also be discussions with up-and-coming writers, workshops and even an open-mic session to showcase hidden talent. It seems our country’s appetite for literature is as strong as ever.

Interestingly, festivals like this are still popular – even with the fast changing landscape of technology and online communications. Connecting and socialising with like-minded people may play a part in the strength of such gatherings, but equally could be as much to do with the cathartic nature of the writing.

Using the process of writing as a tool to help us cope could be an end in itself. Maybe keeping a daily journal is as daunting as the idea of writing a novel, but scribbling a few words of anger on scrap paper could be all it takes to help feel a bit lighter.

Making it easier

Whether using the written word as a release or for better understanding, it may make it easier to relax, talk to someone else or even contact a support group.